Guide To Shorts

I'm still chuckling over the many responses I received from my British English-speaking readers about my use of the word "fanny" in the "Are You Ready To Show Some Summer Skin?" issue from two weeks ago,

To recap, in America, "fanny" is slang for a woman's bottom. In many parts of the British Commonwealth, it's slang for a woman's - well, take a guess.

Almost everyone I heard from was from the UK or Australia, and each included an embarrassing tale regarding the difference in colloquialisms.

Okay, okay - I'll let it go. But with all the banter this week, it's like I've been part of a gigantic long-distance slumber party. Speaking of which, is anyone missing a pair of fuzzy orange slippers? Oh wait, never mind. That was just my big orange cat, rubbing against my feet --

So what's on tap for today? Just what most of us need as warm weather arrives in this part of the world: tips on buying shorts.

P.S. If you're enjoying your subscription to THE CLOTHING CHRONICLES and think some of your friends my like it too, please feel free to forward it to them, fully intact. Thanks!

P.P.S. If you missed any issues of THE CLOTHING CHRONICLES this year, you can catch up here:

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From my office here on College Avenue, right across the street from the University of Delaware, I'm treated to a daily fashion show by all of the college-age fashionistas who pass my door. Good, bad, cute, ridiculous, I have seen it all, often in the space of a single class change.

Now that the temperatures and the hemlines have shot up as the result of an early season heat wave here in the Mid-Atlantic, I'm seeing a whole lot more. And frankly, it isn't pretty. The "What Not To Wear" team could film a whole season of shows after spending just five minutes on campus.

Well, lots. But since this issue is about shorts, let's focus our attention there. Many of the gaffs I'm seeing apply readily to women of all ages, shapes, and sizes, and can be easily remedied with just a little bit of information.

All bodies are not created equal, and nothing drives home that point more than the minimal clothing worn in warm weather. So if you want to look like you have a good body, even if you don't, choose your pieces carefully.

Here are some guidelines on selecting the best short styles for you, from least amount of coverage to greatest amount of coverage.

Short Shorts

Sometimes referred to as "Daisy Dukes," depending on where you live, these short shorts look best on bodies with thin hips, long, thin legs, and no cellulite. Their box shape widens and shortens, so on bodies that have wide hips or thick thighs, they'll make them look wider and thicker.

OldNavy.com

Classic Shorts

The general name given to shorts that hit approximately mid-thigh, classic shorts (also known as Jamaica shorts) look good on a variety of body shapes - provided the leg of the short is the same shape as the leg of the wearer.

Chadwicks.com

Relaxed Shorts

Featuring an elasticized band and typically soft, drapey fabric, relaxed shorts in a classic length tend to flatter many body shapes - again, provided the leg of the short is the same shape as the leg of the wearer. Relaxed shorts are only appropriate for the most casual of affairs, and are a favorite for exercise and sports.

Chadwicks.com

Bermuda Shorts

Bermuda shorts are those that hit just above the knee. A favorite of the over-50 crowd because of how they cover, Bermudas look best on trim thighs and long, thin legs. Because of where they hit, they tend to make short and heavy legs look shorter and heavier.

Chadwicks.com

Since the classic mid-thigh length tends to be the most flattering on the largest number of people, look for shorts in that length. Also opt for plain styles with simple hems. Cuffs, pockets, pleats, etc., all tend to add unwanted bulk, so be cautious when considering styles with those design elements.

Also, remember that your shoe choice will have an impact on your overall look, so opt for shoes that further elongate the leg, like minimalist sandals, flip flops, and the like that blend well with your skin tone.

So what if you're the type of gal who wouldn't be caught dead in shorts? Try Capris instead. They're summery AND modest.

Roamans.com

Finding the best shorts for your body type is easy when you know what to look for. Opt for styles that offer adequate coverage, fit well around the waist, and have a leg shape that matches the shape of your leg.

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